Effects of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) Inhibitor on MIL801-elicited Behaviors in Rats.
- Author:
Kwan Woo SUH
1
;
Sun Yong BAEK
;
Young In CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Busan National University, Busan, Korea. yichung@pusan.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Nitric oxide(NO);
Schizophrenia;
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor;
MK-801
- MeSH:
Animals;
Ataxia;
Dizocilpine Maleate;
Haloperidol;
Humans;
Male;
Motor Activity;
Nitric Oxide Synthase*;
Nitric Oxide*;
Rats*;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley;
Schizophrenia;
Stereotyped Behavior;
Weights and Measures
- From:Korean Journal of Psychopharmacology
2002;13(2):113-119
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor on MK-801-elicited behaviors in rats in an attempt to elucidate the participation of NO in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and to identify the possibility of NOS inhibitor's antipsychotic property. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300g, were given MK-801 in order to know behavioral changes induced by MK-801. Next time, animals were pretreated with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) as a NOS inhibitor and haloperidol before administration of MK-801, respectively. Separate behavioral rating scales were introduced for quantifying MK-801-induced locomotor activity, stereotyped behaviors and ataxia in order that these behaviors might be assessed independently. Animals were observed for 30 seconds and scored once every 10 min. during a period of 1 hour. RESULTS: 1) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were significantly increased by MK-801 in rats. 2) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were significantly diminished by pretreatment with haloperidol. 3) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were also significantly diminished by pretreatment with L-NA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that NO may, in part, mediate behavioral changes induced by MK-801, and that inhibitors of NOS may have antipsychotic action.
